The Proclamation of Independence Memorial, Malacca (Jalan Parameswara, Melaka, Bandar Hilir, 75000, Malaysia) is located South of the Malacca River, a one minute walk from the A’ Famosa Fortress UNESCO site. It is an eight-minute walk from Jonker Street which is to the North of the Malacca River. It is also known as the Memorial Pengisytiharan Kemerdekaan in Malay. The building is established in 1912 and was set up as a museum for Malaysia’s independence memorial in 1985. The building can be easily identified through its Dutch colonial mansion with two golden domes on top of its portico.

Proclamation of Independence Memorial, Malacca

The memorial traces Malaysia’s and Malacca’s long history of foreign domination since the early 14th century by the Portuguese to the Dutch, British and Japanese. The building used to house the Malacca Club, where it is used as a social centre by the foreigners. On the 9th of February 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj arrives at the Malacca Club to deliver his speech, announcing to the nation that independence agreement has been signed, and Malaysia will become an independent country in 1957.

The museum serves as a reflection of Malaysia’s struggle to the great moments of independence at Padang at Bandar Hilir. It acts as a platform for the present and future generations to learn and understand the nation’s history and struggle for independence. Exhibits of historical documents, photographs, maps newspapers and films as well as personal collections of Tunku Abdul Rahman are displayed in the museum.

Proclamation of Independence Memorial, Malacca

Opening Hours of the Proclamation of Independence Memorial, Malacca

This museum is a definite must see for all visiting Malacca. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 530pm. Best of all, there is no admission charge to visit the museum!